‘A.C.F. Grand Prix, 1913’ by de Bruyne

‘A.C.F. Grand Prix, Amiens, 1913’

A strikingly evocative large-scale oil on canvas by de Bruyne that perfectly expresses what is termed the ‘Heroic Age’ of the automobile. De Bruyne is the nom de course of Dexter Brown (English, born 1942), arguably the most influential English automotive artists of our time. The painting is framed with a beautifully ornate, gold leaf frame (not shown), complementary to the impressionistic style of the painting.

Size: 36 x 54 inches (92 x 137 cm).

The painting depicts Georges Boillot, darling of the French crowds, on his way to certain victory campaigning a Peugeot L56 in the A.C.F. Grand Prix, Amiens, 1913. Torinese ace Felice Nazzarro’s big Itala (later retired with spring failure) is in pursuit. Boillot was the first driver to win the Grand Prix twice yet success was short-lived: he lost his life as a fighter pilot, shot down over France in 1916. Painted in 1989 and signed by the artist.